Automotive Controller at Premier Auto Center Tucson, AZ

Comunidade Metodista; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Early wage access

Lunch Fridays

Job summary

Premier Auto Center in Tucson, AZ is seeking an Automotive Controller to lead the company’s accounting operations, payroll processing, FP&A, and regulatory compliance. This role requires hands-on leadership, deep automotive industry knowledge, and strong business acumen to drive growth and profitability.

The Controller will supervise a small team, manage month-end closes, produce franchise statements, and collaborate with external auditors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller or Accounting Manager role.
• Automotive dealership experience preferred.
• Proficient in ERP systems (DealerTrack DMS experience a plus).
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now a plus.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting operations and serve as a resource for all staff at all locations.
• Supervise and train small accounting team.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes and reconciliations.
• Prepare monthly financial statements including franchise statements (Mitsubishi).
• Provide financial data for external reporting and maintain loan lines of credit.
• Process accounts payable and reconcile cash receipts and deposits.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Develop internal controls and liaise with auditors and regulators.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

DealerTrack DMS

Advanced Excel

ADP Workforce Now

Job description

Automotive Controller job at Premier Auto Center. Tucson, AZ.

Job Title: Automotive Controller Location: Tucson, AZ Job Type: Full-Time | On-site Reports To: GM and Owner About Us At Premier Auto Center, we are driving innovation in the automotive industry. As a leading dealer and service center, we are committed to excellence, sustainability, and high performance. With a strong presence across Tucson and Casa Grande, we are looking for a seasoned Automotive Controller to join our team and help steer our continued growth and profitability. Position Summary As the Controller, you will play a critical leadership role in managing the company’s financial health. You will oversee all accounting operations and end-to-end payroll processing, drive financial planning and analysis (FP&A), and ensure compliance with industry laws and regulations and company policies. This is a strategic role requiring deep automotive industry experience, hands‑on operational knowledge, and strong business acumen.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting operations and serve as a resource for all staff in all departments at all locations
• Supervise and train small accounting team
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, including all account reconciliations and adjusting journal entries
• Prepare monthly financial statements, including timely and accurate submission of franchise financial statements (Mitsubishi)
• Provide financial data for external financial reporting
• Maintain multiple floor plan lines of credit and adhere to all loan requirements
• Process Accounts Payable invoices and payments
• Record cash receipts and prepare deposits
• Reconcile dealer reserve accounts and process payments to or deposits from lenders
• Responsible for multiple monthly bank and credit card account reconciliations
• Submit monthly sales tax calculations to outside accountant
• Prepare year end schedules and work with tax accountants to ensure timely filing of accurate tax returns
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Develop, enforce and monitor internal controls
• Maintain legal and regulatory compliance, including adherence to all requirements of multiple dealer and loan agreements
• Ensure timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of financial reporting
• Develop processes and procedures to improve efficiency
• Liaise with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies, as needed

Payroll responsibilities

• Process bi-monthly payroll for hourly, salaried, and commission-based employees
• Calculate commissions for commission-based employees per approved pay plans · Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws
• Reconcile payroll reports and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner
• Post payroll activity to GL
• Collaborate with GM and HR to ensure accurate payroll processing
• Generate payroll reports for internal use and external audits
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism and confidentiality
• Oversee annual 401(k) audit and filing of Form 5500

Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm (Hours are flexible)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a Controller or Accounting Manager role
• Automotive dealership experience preferred
• Proficient in ERP systems (DealerTrack DMS experience a plus)
• Advanced Excel skills
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now a plus
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and leadership skills

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision, 401(k), retirement, early wage access)
• Collaborative and innovative work culture
• Lunch provided on Fridays